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Blogs, Webinars and Podcasts covering technology, start-ups, and venture investing

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July 3, 20242 min read
Episode #23: Three Breakthroughs: Regulatory Pushback, Glassy Gels, and the Year of the Drone
Join Alumni Ventures’ Mike Collins and Managing Partner Matt Caspari in this enlightening episode of the Tech Optimist as they delve into three significant breakthroughs. First, explore the recent U.S. appeals court decision that crucially impacts venture capital and private equity. Next, discover the revolutionary ‘glassy gels,’ a material innovation that blends the hardness of plastics with the flexibility of gels, promising advances in robotics, healthcare, and sports equipment. Lastly, learn why this year could be labeled the year of the drone, as these versatile machines extend beyond military uses to solve real-world commercial challenges. Tune in to see how these breakthroughs are reshaping industries and potentially transforming our daily lives.
by Alumni Ventures
July 2, 20245 min read
Will the Next Silicon Valley Be in the U.S. Heartland?
In the past decade, VC has broadened its reach beyond traditional hubs such as Silicon Valley and the Boston-New York-Washington Corridor, as significant startup ecosystems have popped up across the country’s midsection.
by Ron Levin
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 Webinar - July 18th 2024
An Introduction to Allen Street Ventures
Watch an on-demand presentation on Allen Street Ventures, Alumni Ventures’ fund for Penn State alumni and friends of the community. The discussion is led by Managing Partner Ray Wu.
by Alumni Ventures
July 1, 20242 min read
Episode #22: Is Your Solar ROI as Bright as Promised?
In this episode of the Tech Optimist, join Alumni Ventures’ Managing Partner Greg Baker as he explores the transformational impact of Enact Systems with CEO Deep Chakraborty. Learn how Enact is revolutionizing the solar energy sector by automating and simplifying the consumer journey for solar and battery storage projects.
by Alumni Ventures
June 28, 20242 min read
Episode #21: Transforming 911: The New Company Updating These Lifesaving Calls
Join Mike Collins on the Tech Optimist as he explores Rapid SOS’ revolutionary impact on emergency responses with CEO Michael Martin. Learn how this innovative company utilizes AI and data from connected devices to provide critical information to first responders, enhancing public safety and reshaping emergency communications globally. Hear inspiring stories of lives saved through advanced technology, from pinpointing accurate emergency locations to facilitating rapid medical interventions.
by Alumni Ventures
June 27, 202412 min read
How Do You Use AI?
In recent years, venture capitalists (VCs) have increasingly integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into their investment strategies to enhance decision-making, from discovering high-potential startups to effectively managing their portfolios. According to Gartner, by 2025, more than 75% of venture capital and early-stage investor executive reviews will be informed using AI and data analytics.
by Sophia Zhao
June 27, 20242 min read
Episode #20: Three Breakthroughs: Nuclear Is Back, Non-GMO Rice Innovation, and a Radical Approach to Antibiotic Discovery
This week on the Tech Optimist podcast, we explore three groundbreaking innovations poised to reshape our world. First, we delve into how UC Berkeley researchers are harnessing CRISPR technology to revolutionize rice cultivation, aiming to significantly boost yields and enhance resilience against environmental stresses. Next, we take a closer look at TerraPower’s ambitious project in Wyoming where an advanced nuclear power plant is setting the stage for a future of safe, sustainable, and carbon-free energy. Lastly, we venture into the cutting-edge realm of deep learning at the University of Pennsylvania, where scientists are reviving ancient molecular structures to tackle modern medical challenges, including the global fight against antibiotic resistance. Join us!
by Alumni Ventures
June 26, 20243 min read
Alumni Ventures at Early Stage LA
Alumni Ventures played a pivotal role in Early Stage LA, a month-long initiative aimed at revitalizing early-stage startup investment in Los Angeles. They actively engaged in sponsorships, panel discussions, and facilitated connections, emphasizing their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Southern California’s startup ecosystem.
by Alumni Ventures
June 25, 20243 min read
VC Masterclass: The Art of Evaluating a Deal — Part 4
In the final installment of our Masterclass series on The Art of Evaluating a Deal focuses on the importance of assessing CEOs and their teams. Key points include emphasizing “founder-market fit” and scrutinizing team dynamics.
by Mark D. Edwards
June 25, 20242 min read
Episode #19: 3D Body Scans: Coming to Your Gym
Join Mike Collins on the Tech Optimist as he dives into the innovative world of body scanning technology with Alex Wayenberg, CEO of Shape. Discover how ShapeScale, the company’s flagship product, is transforming personal health tracking by providing detailed, photorealistic 3D scans. Learn about the impact of this cutting-edge technology in various sectors, from fitness and healthcare to plastic surgery, and how it’s setting new standards in body measurement accuracy and personal health insights.
by Alumni Ventures
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 Webinar - July 30th 2024
Venture Investing in the Heartland: How the Midwest is Going from Rust Belt to Tech Belt
Watch an on-demand webinar on “Venture Investing in the Heartland,” where Alumni Ventures Seed Fund Managing Partner Ron Levin and special guests delve into the opportunities and challenges of investing in the heartland of America’s entrepreneurial landscape.
by Alumni Ventures
June 22, 20242 min read
Episode #18: My Dentist Is on TikTok
Join Alumni Ventures’ Mike Collins on the Tech Optimist podcast as he talks with Gregg Kaplan, CEO of Dentologie. Discover how this dental practice is revolutionizing patient engagement by utilizing TikTok for creative connection and education.
by Alumni Ventures

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